COTTAGE HILLS — BushFest, a semi-private affair of merriment and music, is coming wholly into the light, going fully public to encourage community fellowship and benefit a pair of late musicians’ families.

Godfrey resident Doug Bush, formerly of Alton, founded BushFest 11 years ago, holding the first on Eugene Street in Alton. When he moved, it moved to his Humbert Road property, always with the purpose of bringing like-minded musicians and friends together to hear music that is 80 percent original.

“The premise was getting bands together and playing, allowing friends, families, musicians, fans and the community to hang out and have music go all day. This is a destination for original music because a lineup like this doesn’t get that many chances to play,” said Bush, who plans the same vibe for the 11th annual — but first fully public — BushFest, featuring 12 hours of performance from 25 bands or solo acts for only $5 (children age 12 and younger are admitted free). “And, we served free chili, which we’re doing again this year.”